Best Higher Education Grants in Maine

Community Foundation for Muskegon County

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

The mission of the Community Foundation is to engage donors and connect them with opportunities to make a lasting impact, build community endowment, provide leadership on key issues, and make grants that reflect the communities we serve.

Scholarships

Our scholarship funds seek to empower and encourage Muskegon County residents to pursue their dreams, hone in their gifts, and give back to our community.

If you’re a high school or homeschooled senior, current college student, early college senior, or adult learner, the Community Foundation for Muskegon County may have a scholarship for you. We manage one of the largest scholarship programs in our area, with over $1 million committed to students in over 500 new and renewed scholarships awarded each year.

JJohn E. and Bernice L. Sydnor Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Bernice Sydnor, who established the John E. and Bernice L. Sydnor Memorial Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. John E. Sydnor made community and education his lifetime passions. He served a long list of civic organizations, including the Community Foundation as a Trustee and supporter. His 38-year career as an educator has left a permanent mark of excellence on his community. The Foundation was one organization to which John chose to leave a contribution. The John E. Sydnor Memorial will present scholarships to African-American students graduating from Muskegon County high schools and attending an accredited college, university or technical/trade school. The youth and educators of John Sydnor's community will feel his strength forever, as this gift to Muskegon keeps John Sydnor's passion for education alive.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Sidney and Adelaide Slater Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Sidney and Adelaide Slater, who established the Sidney and Adelaide Slater Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Although we were never privileged to know them, Sidney and Adelaide Slater were well aware of the Community Foundation and its ability to carry out their charitable objectives. Their will established an annuity trust for a sole beneficiary and stated that, upon the death of that beneficiary, the remainder of the estate should go to the Community Foundation to establish the Sidney and Adelaide Slater Education. This scholarship will be used to help Muskegon County's needy and deserving students attend college, ensuring that the ideals that were important to the Slaters will endure for many years to come.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Sherman R. Poppen Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Sherman R. Poppen, who established the Sherman R. Poppen Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Nancy Poppen was an artist who wanted children to explore and develop their talents in the fine arts. Prior to her death, in 1993, she established a fund in her name to provide "individualized arts opportunities" for Muskegon Public Schools students in grades three through 12. Her husband, Sherman Poppen, has watched the talents of over one hundred students develop over these last few years. Feeling the need to continue to support their talents, he established the Sherman R. Poppen Scholarship Fund to provide scholarships for Muskegon High School graduates who have participated in programs funded through the Nancy K. Poppen Fund. Now these students, pursuing arts studies at accredited colleges and universities or under the tutelage of master artists, can be assured of continued support and backing.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Shantz Kaydon Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Richard and Dolores Shantz, who established the Shantz Kaydon Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Richard Shantz, President and CEO of Muskegon's Kaydon Corporation for many years, felt strongly about college and the value of an education. In the tradition of giving back to the community and the company that was good to him, Dick Shantz and his wife, Dolores, established the Shantz Kaydon Scholarship to benefit the children and step-children of employees of Kaydon Corporation in its Muskegon locations. This scholarship award of $12,000 over four years will help to ensure that a quality education is received by children of Kaydon Corporation employees far into the future.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Sailor Classic Athletic Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Don Trygstad, who established the Sailor Classic Athletic Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Two men, with a commitment to Mona Shores and to athletes who learn and play on their athletic fields, started the Sailor Classic over a decade ago to raise money for items needed, that fall outside the Athletic Department's budget. In addition, the Classic gives the community an opportunity to celebrate all that the school does for kids. Most importantly, the Sailor Classic provides an annual scholarship to one male and one female student-athlete who are outstanding on the field, in the classroom, and in need of financial support.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Rocket Scholars Foundation Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the parents and alumni of Reeths Puffer Schools, who established the Rocket Scholars Foundation Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. The Rocket Scholars Foundation was created by parents and alumni with two purposes in mind:

• To continue to foster within the school system a culture of rigorous academic achievement for all students and
• To offer those students who have demonstrated high achievement, scholarships to help defray the increasingly expensive tuition costs at colleges, universities and accredited post-secondary vocational and technical schools.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Robert A. and Clara C. Harrell Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Robert A. and Clara C. Harrell, who established the Robert A. and Clara C. Harrell Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Clara is from Muskegon and her husband Bob is from East Detroit. Clara went to Muskegon Community College where she earned her Nursing degree. The Harrell's believe that education is vital and is the gateway to students becoming what they dream they can be. This scholarship is for graduating seniors of any Muskegon County High School.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Rich McCarthy Oakridge Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Nancy McCarthy, who established the Rich McCarthy Oakridge Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Rich McCarthy knew what matters most in life. His philosophy was: "One hundred years from now, it will not matter what kind of car I drove or what kind of clothes I wore. All that will matter is that I made a difference in the life of a child." His family members, who have established the Rich McCarthy Oakridge Scholarship in his memory, say he far surpassed his goal affecting the lives of scores of young people. The teaching veteran and coach had a rich career at Oakridge as well as several other area schools. Although he struggled with severe health problems for many years he is remembered by wife Nancy as "always smiling; his greatest joy was making people laugh." The scholarship will benefit students of Oakridge Schools.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Reverend Moses J. Jones Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Reverend Moses J. Jones, who established the Reverend Moses J. Jones Endowment Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Born in 1898, Reverend Moses J. Jones was one of Muskegon's most beloved ministers. The Pastor of John Wesley A.M.E. Zion Church of Muskegon for 36 years, he founded the Urban League of Muskegon and received numerous honors including the Ambassador of Goodwill Award. Reverend Jones committed his life to building racial harmony in Muskegon. He helped establish this Scholarship in 1982 to make awards to deserving youths based on their contributions to their community, school, and church. Through this, Reverend Moses J. Jones continues to support the values of community awareness and harmony by granting the lasting gift of education to Muskegon-area youth. Reverend Jones died in 1989. His legacy lives on through this fund.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Ravenna Community Educational Foundation Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of many people in the Ravenna Community, who established the Ravenna Community Educational Foundation Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Dolores E. (Dee) Swanson gave the initial gift to start this back in December 2006. At that time it was a Build A Fund, but a gift from Rudolph and Ruth Lonnee put it over the top late in 2007. The Ravenna Community Educational Foundation intends to use it to enhance the quality of education through educational opportunities by generating and distributing financial and other resources for the benefit of the students and staff of the Ravenna Community Schools.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Peter J. & Barbara J. Kutches Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Barbara Kutches, who established the Peter J. and Barbara J. Kutches Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Pete and Barbara Kutches are well known figures in the Muskegon area, even though they both grew up in Escanaba. Pete was a coach in the area stretching over 4 decades at Muskegon High School, Muskegon Catholic Central, and finally Reeths-Puffer before retiring in the late 1990's. He was best known as a football coaching winning state championships as a head coach at MCC and R-P, the only coach in the state of Michigan to do so. Barbara was a nurse for several years at Mercy Hospital, serving as a time as the director of nursing. They shared 62 years of marriage, 5 children, 15 grandchildren, and soon-to-be 15 greatgrandchildren. Pete was the 10th of 13 kids in his family and the only one to go on to get a college degree because of a scholarship he was awarded. Because of this, Pete and Barbara both felt stongly that they wanted to provide that opportuntity to area youth, specifically in the areas which they felt rewarded by in their careers - education and nursing. 

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Paul and Libby Kara Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Paul M. Kara, who established the Paul and Libby Kara Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. The Paul and Libby Kara Scholarship Fund helps graduating seniors or adult/returning students with significant financial need. It is designed to help students with the "last dollars" needed to continue their education. Paul and Libby believe that every student should be able to achieve their educational goals.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Nancy Waters and Mark Waters Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Nancy and Mark Waters, who established the Nancy Waters and Mark Waters Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. In recognition of what this community has meant to their family, Nancy and son, Mark, started this to support the educational, economic and community development needs and interests of African Americans in the greater Muskegon region. Through their leadership they are demonstrating how the Community Foundation can reach and support all its citizens. Mark passed away in 2015.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Patricia A. Bard Nursing Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Doug Bard, who established the Patricia A. Bard Nursing Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Pat Bard, a wife, mother, grandmother, business-woman, travel agent, teacher, and friend, passed away on May 21, 2010. Doug and Pat had talked of a scholarship in the past, and, toward the end of her fight against cancer, together chose the field of nursing as the focus. While Pat's career involved the world of business and travel, she and Doug both experienced first-hand the impact that caring, well-trained nurses can make. The scholarship in her name will make an impact, too, on the opportunities available to nursing students.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Muskegon Public Schools Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Muskegon Public Schools, who established the Muskegon Public Schools Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. For many years Muskegon Public Schools has administered several scholarships for the benefit of Muskegon County high school students. Following a review of these scholarships and recognizing the Foundation's considerable expertise not only in scholarship programming but also in investment management, the Board of Education approved a recommendation to transfer all scholarships held by Muskegon Public Schools to the Muskegon County Community Foundation, thus creating the Muskegon Public Schools Scholarship . The Foundation is proud to receive this honor and looks forward to working with Muskegon Public Schools administrators to award scholarships to Muskegon-area high school seniors for many years to come.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Muskegon Eagles / Monsignor Kehren Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Muskegon Eagles, Chapter 668, and Monsignor Kehren, who established the Muskegon Eagles Monsignor Kehren Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Monsignor Kehren served St. Mary's Church in downtown Muskegon for many years. When he died, Chapter 668 of the Muskegon Eagles established this in his honor. The award is supported through an annual bowling tournament held by the Eagles. Thanks to their generosity, the spirit of Monsignor Kehren endures as part of the Muskegon community, granting the lasting gift of education to the youth of Muskegon County.

The Martha Mae Giles Scholarship, managed by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, supports graduating high school students from Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, and Rappahannock counties who plan to attend college. This renewable scholarship honors Martha Mae Giles and prioritizes applicants who are members of Our Saviour Lutheran Church, although it is open to all students. The foundation has grown substantially since 2000, emphasizing community support and educational opportunities.

Robert B. Baumann Memorial Scholarship Fund

The scholarship was established to provide financial assistance to senior and graduates of any Harvey County, Kansas High School or be a resident of Harvey County, Kansas graduating from a neighboring area high school. Applicants must be pursuing career path in a mechanical or building trade (i.e. carpenter, electrician, auto mechanic, HVAC installer, carpet installer, heavy equipment operator, insulation installer, landscaper, painter plumber, machinist, mechanical drafter, locksmith, mechanical insulator, elector mechanic, mechanical installer, machine and manufacturing field, welder, diesel technologist, and heavy equipment operator). Qualified candidates may plan to attend a 2- or 4-year college or university, community college, trade, technical or vocational school. 

If recipient is interested in reapplying, they must reapply annually. No reminder will be sent to recipients. Consecutive awards are not guaranteed.   

Arizona Community Foundation

For more than four decades, the Arizona Community Foundation has worked in tandem with generous individuals, families, and organizations to address some of the biggest challenges facing our state.

Scholarships

In partnership with our generous donors, we award millions of dollars annually to help students achieve their educational goals. Through our online system, students complete one application and are matched with available scholarships, based on their eligibility requirements.

Andrews and Esser Scholarship

This scholarship was set up in memory of Marvin A. Andrews and Charles A. Esser. In addition to the monetary award, the Andrews and Esser Scholarship recipient will be given the opportunity for a paid internship stipend. The Andrews Scholarship/Internship is open to a part-time Masters of Public Administration student who is currently working in local government. Scholarship is not renewable.

Arizona Community Foundation

For more than four decades, the Arizona Community Foundation has worked in tandem with generous individuals, families, and organizations to address some of the biggest challenges facing our state.

Scholarships

In partnership with our generous donors, we award millions of dollars annually to help students achieve their educational goals. Through our online system, students complete one application and are matched with available scholarships, based on their eligibility requirements.

Bishop Henry L. Barnwell Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Committee will award scholarships to students attending an accredited higher learning institution in financial need. Eligible students must show how they promoted the principles of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through their participation in school, community, and/or faith-based events within the last year.

Key Club Scholarship

An opportunity offered by Redding Kiwanis to graduating seniors from Enterprise and Shasta High schools who are dues paying members of their high school Key Club.

The Key Club Scholarship was established by the Redding Kiwanis to fund Key Club Scholarships for graduating seniors from Enterprise and Shasta High schools. Key Club International is the high school organization sponsored by Kiwanis International. Key Clubs assist Kiwanis in carrying out its mission to serve the children of the world. This scholarship is centered around active service to their school and community. Students must be an active, due paying member of their high school Key Club.

The Children’s Relief Fund 

The Children’s Relief Fund (CRF) is a non-profit organization founded in 1991 by Rose and Frank Fotia. Their son Gregory had multiple disabilities and was the inspiration behind CRF. Our group consists of volunteers who raise money to help fund therapy, equipment, summer programs and other group activities for disabled children in the Hilton Head Island and Bluffton area.

Dr. Robert Bokat Humanitarian Scholarship

This scholarship is available to high school students and home-schooled students.

Career Fields applicable: Humanities/Education/Medical. The committee's decision is based heavily on volunteerism. 

Service Area: All Hilton Head/Bluffton High Schools

Number of Awards: One

Duration/Renewal: One year

Financial Need: No

Criteria: A completed online application form and 250-word essay describing education and career choices. Two character references.

The Children’s Relief Fund 

The Children’s Relief Fund (CRF) is a non-profit organization founded in 1991 by Rose and Frank Fotia. Their son Gregory had multiple disabilities and was the inspiration behind CRF. Our group consists of volunteers who raise money to help fund therapy, equipment, summer programs and other group activities for disabled children in the Hilton Head Island and Bluffton area.

Gregory Fotia Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is available to high school students and home-schooled students.

Career Fields applicable: Career field that benefits special needs children (e.g. Special Education, Pediatrics, Various Therapies)  

Service Area: All Hilton Head/Bluffton High Schools

Number of Awards: One or two

Duration/Renewal: One year

Financial Need: No

Criteria: A completed online application form and 250-word essay describing education and career choices.  Two character references.

Ella C. White Memorial Scholarship Fund 

The Ella C. White Memorial Scholarship Fund is committed to empowering students in our community to pursue their dreams through higher education. Since its inception in 1972, the fund has awarded 913 scholarships, totaling an impressive $828,200, to deserving students.

​Focused on supporting graduating seniors from Hilton Head Island High School, Bluffton High School, and May River High School, the fund also offers the potential for continued support throughout college. Scholarship recipients are selected based on financial need, academic achievement, and their commitment to building a brighter future.

Our Scholarships

The Scholarship Committee will consider these criteria in making their selection:

• Academic achievement: Copy of your most recent high school transcript, reflecting last 3 years
• Financial need: Must provide proof of parent(s) income
• Letters of recommendations: one from your guidance counselor and one from a current teacher
• A copy of your award letter from the institution you will be attending.

Scholarship Renewals

The Ella C. White Memorial Scholarship is a renewable scholarship. Students may apply for scholarships for two additional years or up to the third year of college. Students are not eligible to receive scholarships for their final year or senior term of college. To be considered for additional assistance, students must provide their most recent college GPA and demonstrate financial need.

Community Foundation of the Lowcountry

With more than $125 million invested in the Lowcountry area since 1994, Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is the largest source of unrestricted philanthropic resources dedicated to Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties. Throughout our history, we have expanded our services, undertaken important initiatives and altered our course to ensure we’re serving the needs of the Lowcountry. We provide donors and nonprofits the steadfast philanthropic leadership to transform, empower and enhance the communities we serve.

Scholarships

Since 1995, we’ve been a resource for students and parents who are looking for a way to offset the cost of tuition while bypassing the use of student loans.

Heritage Classic Foundation Scholarships

Every year we award Heritage Scholarships to 11 high school seniors who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, community service and leadership skills. Since the program began in 1993, we’ve distributed $5.75 million in scholarships to 408 students from Beaufort and Jasper Counties.

Ron Brown Scholar Fund

The Ron Brown Scholar Fund is a public 501c3 charity and administers the Ron Brown Scholar Program (RBSP). Established in 1996 by Anthony M. Pilaro to honor the late Secretary of Commerce, RBSP is a college scholarship and leadership program for African American students. Our three initiatives support young people who share Ron Brown’s dedication to individual excellence, leadership, and public service

Ron Brown Signature Scholarship

The Ron Brown Scholarship honors the legacy of Ronald H. Brown through a selective scholarship program that advances higher education for community-minded and intellectually gifted African Americans.

RBSP competitively awards 20 four-year $40,000 scholarships ($10,000 each year) to the most talented and economically-challenged high school seniors who demonstrate a keen interest in public service, community engagement, business entrepreneurship and global citizenship – the four pillars of the late Ronald H. Brown’s mission to uplift people of all races, cultures and ethnicities – especially our disadvantaged youth.

Recipients may use the renewable scholarships to attend an accredited four-year college or university of their choice within the United States. Ron Brown scholarships are not limited to any specific field or career objective and may be used to pursue any academic discipline. Since the Program’s inception in 1996, 683 students have been designated as Ron Brown Scholars.

Who We Are

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area seeks to ensure that our community thrives today, tomorrow, and forever by building our Community’s Endowment to support high impact charitable projects, helping donors achieve their charitable goals, and leading and partnering in community-level initiatives.

A Thriving Community

We envision a fully thriving community where all who live or work in the Holland/Zeeland area equitably experience: physical, mental, and emotional health and safety; financial stability; high quality education; access to opportunities to achieve one’s full potential; and a sense of belonging – are respected, valued, connected and have a voice in community decisions.

Apply for Scholarships

The Woman’s Literary Club Kate Garrod Post Scholarship